U.S. patent number 5,402,892 [Application Number 08/113,660] was granted by the patent office on 1995-04-04 for impact resistant wrapping system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Burlington Consolidated Limited Incorporation. Invention is credited to Zoltan K. Jaszai.
United States Patent |
5,402,892 |
Jaszai |
April 4, 1995 |
Impact resistant wrapping system
Abstract
An impact resistant wrapping system for packaging fragile
articles is formed in a sheet by sealing, under pressure, two
single or multi-layer or laminated flexible membranes having gas or
air barrier properties, with cushioning-cellular material such as
sponge foam confined in a single airtight cavity defined between
the membranes. The wrapping system is in a flat state in which the
cushioning-cellular material is constricted in the cavity. In use,
the sheet-like wrapping system is wound or folded around the
article and is retained in its wrapping state with fastening
members. Air is introduced into the cavity by opening an air valve
or puncturing the wrapping system at any surface point thereof, so
as to allow the cushioning-cellular material to expand and force
the inner of the membranes against the article, whereby the article
can be securely protected from shock and damage. After use, by
removing air from the cavity formed between the outer and inner
membranes through the air valve to constrict the
cushioning-cellular material, and closing the air valve or applying
an adhesive treated surface patch to maintain the compressed state
of the cushioning-cellular material in the cavity, the wrapping
system can be reused.
Inventors: |
Jaszai; Zoltan K. (Tokyo,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Burlington Consolidated Limited
Incorporation (Dublin, IE)
|
Family
ID: |
27275919 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/113,660 |
Filed: |
August 31, 1993 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
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|
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Aug 31, 1992 [JP] |
|
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4-232312 |
Sep 24, 1992 [JP] |
|
|
4-255098 |
Jan 12, 1993 [JP] |
|
|
5-003638 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/522; 137/223;
206/523; 206/524.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
5/05816 (20130101); A61F 5/3738 (20130101); A61F
13/10 (20130101); A61F 13/105 (20130101); A61F
15/004 (20130101); B65D 81/03 (20130101); B65D
81/051 (20130101); Y10T 137/3584 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
13/10 (20060101); A61F 15/00 (20060101); A61F
5/058 (20060101); A61F 5/04 (20060101); A61F
5/37 (20060101); B65D 81/03 (20060101); B65D
81/05 (20060101); B65D 081/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;206/446,521,522,523,524,524.8 ;137/223,230 ;229/87.02
;383/86,87 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0434447 |
|
Jun 1991 |
|
EP |
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51-93720 |
|
Jul 1976 |
|
JP |
|
2184997 |
|
Jul 1987 |
|
GB |
|
2230509 |
|
Oct 1990 |
|
GB |
|
87/02012 |
|
Apr 1987 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Foster; Jimmy G.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack
Claims
I claim:
1. A wrapping system comprising:
a sheet-like wrapping body formed of first and second flexible
membranes having gas barrier properties and joined in a two-ply
state to define therebetween an air tight cavity, and a sheet-like
foam cushion material positioned in a compressed state thereof in
said cavity between said flexible membranes; and
an air valve disposed on one of said flexible membranes to
selectively introduce air into said cavity to cause said cushion
material to expand from said compressed state, said air valve
comprising a sealing member positioned on said one flexible
membrane, said sealing member having a part forming a cutter to cut
a vent hole in said one flexible membrane, after which said sealing
member seals said vent hole.
2. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
engaging members on said flexible membranes to maintain said
wrapping body in a wrapped state about an article to be
wrapped.
3. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said engaging
members comprise female and male fasteners.
4. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said engaging
members comprise pressure sensitive adhesive.
5. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said engaging
members form at least one slide fastener.
6. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a
first said flexible membrane has thereon an article receiving
pocket.
7. A wrapping system comprising:
a sheet-like wrapping body formed of first and second flexible
membranes having gas barrier properties and joined in a two-ply
state to define therebetween an air tight cavity, and a sheet-like
foam cushion material positioned in a compressed state thereof in
said cavity between said flexible membranes; and
an air valve disposed on one of said flexible membranes to
selectively introduce air into said cavity to cause said cushion
material to expand from said compressed state, said air valve
comprising a sealing membrane positioned on said one flexible
membrane, said sealing member having a pointed blade positioned
such that pulling of said sealing member from said one flexible
membrane automatically sticks said pointed blade into said one
flexible membrane to thereby form a vent hole therein, after which
said sealing member seals said vent hole.
8. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 7, further comprising
engaging members on said flexible membranes to maintain said
wrapping body in a wrapped state about an article to be
wrapped.
9. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said engaging
members comprise female and male fasteners.
10. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said engaging
members comprise pressure sensitive adhesive.
11. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said engaging
members form at least one slide fastener.
12. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least a
first said flexible membrane has thereon an article receiving
pocket.
13. A wrapping system comprising:
a sheet-like wrapping body formed of first and second flexible
membranes having gas barrier properties and joined in a two-ply
state to define therebetween an air tight cavity, and a sheet-like
foam cushion material positioned in a compressed state thereof in
said cavity between said flexible membranes; and
an air valve disposed on one of said flexible membranes to
selectively introduce air into said cavity to cause said cushion
material to expand from said compressed state, said air valve
comprising a slide plate disposed slidably between two plates
having aligned vent openings, said slide plate having a cutter
elastically urged toward said one flexible membrane and operable,
by sliding said slide plate to align with said vent openings, snap
through one said vent opening into said one flexible membrane to
thereby form a vent hole therein.
14. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising
engaging members on said flexible membrane to maintain said
wrapping body in a wrapped state about an article to be
wrapped.
15. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said engaging
members comprise female and male fasteners.
16. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said engaging
members comprise pressure sensitive adhesive.
17. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said engaging
members form at least one slide fastener.
18. A wrapping system as claimed in claim 13, wherein at least a
first said flexible membrane has thereon an article receiving
pocket.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an impact resistant wrapping system for
protecting various fragile articles from shocks and damage, and
more particularly to a wrapping means formed of laminated membranes
filled with sponge foam or other material which usually assumes a
flat state and expands to heighten the cushioning effect when
wrapping an article for protection.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For the purpose of wrapping a fragile article, there have been
extensively used a variety of wrappings of foamed plastics material
having excellent cushioning properties, and packing or padding
material of foamed styrol or the like. Since wrapping of this type
has the ability of absorbing shock, which in general is in
proportion to its volume, wrapping of large size is required for
ensuring sufficient cushioning effect, but it is bulky and awkward
to use.
As one example of a wrapping for an article to be transported,
there has been proposed an inflatable package formed of an air bag
having a cylindrical interior space for accommodating the article
per Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Public Disclosure No.
SHO 54-136985. The air bag is made by folding a double-ply sheet
formed of two membranes of synthetic resin. This prior art package
is used by inserting the article into the interior space of the air
bag and introducing air between the membranes forming the air bag
through a small air hole formed in one of the membranes to inflate
the air bag.
In this prior art package, since the interior space defined in the
air bag is formed in a cylindrical shape, the shape of the article
to be wrapped is limited, and therefore, various articles having
different shapes cannot aptly be wrapped. Furthermore, this package
cannot be reused readily and is of no practical utility.
In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. SHO 63-502099
(corresp. to International Application No. PCT/US86/01989), a
protective envelope for containing a fragile article is proposed,
in which elastic cushion material is confined in a compressed flat
state between airtight two-fold membranes constituting the
protective envelope.
Similarly, this prior art protective envelope cannot cope with a
variety of articles of different shapes. This is because the
envelope is a definite shape and defined by basically sealing the
envelope along the edges of the membranes so as to form an upper
opening. Thus, this protective envelope cannot be applied to
articles having various shapes, and is restricted in capacity for
containing the article.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to eliminate the drawbacks suffered
by conventional wrapping or packing means as described above and to
provide a convenient wrapping means having excellent cushioning
effect and which can be widely adapted to variations of shapes and
sizes of articles to be wrapped.
Another object of this invention is to provide a wrapping that is
easy to handle and simple in structure, and that is capable of
being reused practically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To attain the objects described above according to this invention,
there is provided a wrapping means which comprises a sheet-like
wrapping body formed of a first flexible membrane having gas
barrier properties, and a second flexible membrane having gas
barrier properties and being opposite to the first flexible
membrane to define air-tightly a cavity between the first and
second flexible membranes, one or more engaging members disposed on
the wrapping body, elastic foam or other material placed in a
compressed flat state in the cavity between the flexible membranes,
and an air valve disposed on one of the flexible membranes, through
which the cavity is open to introduce air into the cavity so as to
allow the cushion material to expand.
The sheet-like wrapping body of the wrapping means according to
this invention has a flexible triple-layer structure of the two
flexible membranes and the elastic sponge foam or other material
placed between the flexible membranes. One of the two flexible
membranes serves as an inner wall which comes into direct contact
with the given article to be wrapped, and the other flexible
membrane is an outer wall of the wrapping means. The outer wall is
operatively associated with the inner wall which changes in shape
with the article wrapped in the wrapping body.
The sponge foam material placed between the flexible inner and
outer membranes may be formed of synthetic resin foam, particularly
compressed polyurethane foam, which is held in its compressed state
under reduced pressure and expands in the atmosphere.
The first and second flexible membranes may be formed of plastic
material having gas barrier properties, such as thermoplastic resin
having very low permeability to air.
The engaging member attached to the flexible membranes may be
formed of a set of female and male fastening members, pressure
sensitive adhesive or a slide fastener such as a zip fastener. When
using a surface fastener, a female fastening member attached to one
of the flexible membranes is closely contacted with a male
fastening member on the other flexible membrane.
The engaging member in this invention may be formed so as to extend
outward from an edge portion of the sheet-like wrapping body.
Also, the engaging member in this invention may be provided with
auxiliary cushioning pads for absorbing shocks. Similarly to the
sheet-like wrapping body, the cushioning pad may comprise flexible
inner and outer membranes between which a cavity is air-tightly
defined, an elastic cushion material held in a compressed flat
state between the flexible inner and outer membranes, and an air
valve for permitting the cavity to open to the air.
The air valve in this invention includes a vent hole bored or cut
in one of the flexible membranes and a sealing member for sealing
the vent hole. This air valve may be located anywhere on the outer
surface of the sheet-like wrapping body.
The sealing member attached to the flexible outer membrane may be
formed of plastic material having gas barrier properties and can be
peeled off from the air valve.
In another way, the sheet-like wrapping body of this invention may
be provided with an air valve comprising a vent hole and a slide
plate with an aperture, which is adapted for slidably opening the
vent hole. The slide plate is provided with a sharp-edged cutter
for cutting or boring a hole in the flexible outer membrane. For
example, the slide plate assembled in the air valve may be formed
of a substantially U-shaped triple-layer member having a vent hole
formed in conjunction with a retaining plate disposed between two
plastic plates, and a cutter member with a hole which is slidable
in the triple-layer member so as to permit the vent hole to
communicate with the hole in the cutter member.
The air valve may be operated by use of a valve string threaded
into the cavity through one of the flexible membranes and a pull
string connected to the valve string.
Moreover, the air valve in this invention may be integrally
attached to the engaging member. For instance, the air valve may be
formed by attaching the sealing member to a prescribed portion of
the flexible outer membrane which is opposite to the engaging
member fixed on the flexible inner membrane, so that the sealing
member can be pricked with a needle-like blade.
The air valve may be provided with a simple sound generator capable
of issuing a sound resulting from air flowing through the air
valve.
The sheet-like wrapping body may be formed of a flexible
gas-barrier plastic membrane, a laminated flexible plastic film
formed on the plastic membrane, and flexible porous cushion
material disposed on the surface of the plastic membrane opposite
to the laminated plastic film.
According to this invention, a given article can be readily wrapped
with the sheet-like wrapping body in accordance with the shape of
the article and held by engaging the engaging member. Subsequently,
the air valve is opened to introduce air into the cavity which has
been kept at reduced pressure in the sheet-like wrapping body.
Thus, the elastic cushion material held in its compressed state at
reduced pressure in the sheet-like wrapping body spontaneously
expands as the cavity is open to the air. As a result, the
sheet-like wrapping body having the article wrapped entirely
therein is inflated, and the joined engaging member exerts further
tension force to the inflated wrapping body so as to tightly wrap
the article with the wrapping body.
The article wrapped with the inflated wrapping body can easily be
relieved only by disengaging the joined engaging member and
unrolling the wrapping body. Then, the air valve is opened to draw
out the air in the cavity of the wrapping body by using a vacuum
cleaner or pressing the wrapping body by hand so as to compress the
elastic cushion material placed in the cavity portion. Then, the
air valve is closed to keep the elastic cushion material in the
compressed flat state in the cavity. Thus, the wrapping means of
this invention can be reused.
Other and further objects of this invention will become obvious
upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be
described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various
advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the
art upon employment of the invention in practice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The other objects and features of the present invention will be
hereinafter explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned perspective view showing a first
embodiment of the wrapping means according to this invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the principal portion of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a section showing the manner of wrapping an article that
is wrapped with the wrapping means of FIG. 1 in a flat state;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section showing the wrapping means of FIG.
3 in an inflated state;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an air valve with a cutter
member;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the air valve of FIG. 5 attached to
the wrapping means;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the manner in which air is
sucked out of the wrapping means;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 8, in
use;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an air valve disposed on the
wrapping means of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the air valve of FIG. 10 in
its operated state;
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing another of an air valve having a
modified structure;
FIG. 14 is a section of the air valve of FIG. 13, in its closed
state;
FIG. 15 is a section of the air valve of FIG. 13, in its open
state;
FIG. 16 is a view of another embodiment of an air valve of this
invention;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention, in its unfolded state;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 18, in
its folded state;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 18, in
use;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 21, in
use;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 23, in
its deformed state;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 25, in
use;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of this
invention;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 28, in
use;
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 30, in
use;
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of this
invention;
FIG. 33 is a plan view of a twelfth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention, in its unfolded state;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a state in which the corners
of an article are protected by the wrapping means of FIG. 33;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 34, in
its inflated state;
FIG. 36 is a partially sectional view of FIG. 34;
FIG. 37 is a partially sectional view of FIG. 35;
FIG. 38 is a plan view of a thirteenth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 38, in
use;
FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 40, in
use;
FIG. 42 is a sectional view of FIG. 41;
FIG. 43 is a plan view of a fifteenth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 43, in
a state shaped in a bag;
FIG. 45 is a sectional view of FIG. 44;
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 46, in
use;
FIG. 48 is a plan view of a seventeenth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 48,
with a lid cover closed;
FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 48,
with the lid cover opened;
FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 48, in
a standing state;
FIG. 52 is a plan view of an eighteenth embodiment of the wrapping
means of this invention;
FIG. 53 is a plan view of FIG. 52, showing the process in which an
article is wrapped;
FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 52, in
use;
FIG. 55 is a plan view of the a nineteenth embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the wrapping means of FIG. 55, in
use;
FIG. 57 is a sectional side view of FIG. 55;
FIG. 58 is an unfolded view of a twentieth embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention, in its separated state;
FIG. 59 is an unfolded view of FIG. 58, in its joined state;
FIG. 60 is a perspective view of FIG. 58, in use;
FIG. 61 is a sectional side view of FIG. 58;
FIG. 62 is an unfolded view of a twenty-first embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 63 is a plan view of FIG. 62, in use;
FIG. 64 is a front view of the twenty-second embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 65 is an explanatory view showing the process in which a
finger is being wrapped with the wrapping means of FIG. 64;
FIG. 66 is a view showing the state in which a finger is wrapped
with the wrapping means of FIG. 64;
FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view showing the wrapping means of
FIG. 66, in its contracted state;
FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view showing the wrapping means of
FIG. 66, in its inflated state;
FIG. 69 is an unfolded plan view of a twenty-third embodiment of
the wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 70 is a view showing the state in which a finger is wrapped
with the wrapping means of FIG. 69;
FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a twenty-fourth embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention;
FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view showing the the wrapping means of
FIG. 71, in use; and
FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a twenty-fifth embodiment of the
wrapping means of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, the first and second
embodiments of the wrapping means of this invention will be
described hereinafter.
The wrapping means of this invention comprises a sheet-like
wrapping body 1 formed of a flexible inner membrane 2 having gas
barrier properties and a flexible outer membrane 3 which has gas
barrier properties and is opposite to the inner membrane 2 in a
double-ply state, and elastic sponge foam cushion material 5 placed
in a cavity 4 defined airtightly between the flexible inner and
outer membranes 2 and 3. The elastic cushion material 5 is normally
placed in its compressed flat state in the cavity between the
flexible membranes. The wrapping means further includes a flexible
lid cover 6 extending in the longitudinal direction from the
wrapping body 1, and engaging members composed of female surface
fasteners 7 and 8 attached to both side edge portions of one half
of the flexible inner membrane 2 and male surface fasteners 9 and
10 attached to both side edge portions of the other half of the
flexible inner membrane 2. The wrapping means has another engaging
means composed of male surface fasteners 11 and 12 attached to the
lid cover 6 and female surface fasteners 13 and 14 attached to the
corresponding portions of the flexible outer membrane 3 as shown in
FIG. 2. The flexible outer membrane 3 has an air valve 15.
The flexible inner and outer membranes 2 and 3 may be preferably
formed of plastic material having gas barrier properties, or
plastic-laminated paper.
As shown in FIG. 5 as the second embodiment of this invention, the
air valve 15 may be constituted by a base 16 fixed on the flexible
outer membrane 3, a cutter member 18 mounted on the base 16, and a
sealing member 19 capable of being detachably attached to the base
16. The base 16 of the air valve is provided in its central portion
thereof with an air vent 17 formed in a slit. The cutter member 18
is formed of rigid plastic material and is made thin so as to be
stuck into the air vent 17 in the base 16. The sealing member 19
may be applied with pressure sensitive adhesive so as to be stuck
to the base 16 by pressing to close the air vent 17.
When using the wrapping means as constructed above for wrapping a
given article A, the sheet-like wrapping body 1 is folded in two
along the center line L so that the article A is put between the
folded half parts of the flexible inner membrane 2. Then, by
engaging the female and male surface fasteners 7, 9 and 8, 10 and
the female and male surface fasteners 11-14, the article is loosely
wrapped with the wrapping means.
Thereafter, the sealing member 19 is removed from the air valve 15
to expose the base 16 so that the air vent 17 is opened by sticking
the cutter member 18 thereinto. As a result, air is introduced into
the cavity 4 formed between the outer and inner membranes 2 and 3,
causing the cushion material 5 placed in its compressed flat state
in the cavity 4 to expand spontaneously. Then, the air vent 17 may
be finally sealed with the sealing member 19. Thus, the article is
firmly wrapped with the wrapping means.
The article wrapped with the wrapping means can be released easily
by disengaging the engaging members composed of the surface
fasteners 7-14. The air may be sucked out from the cavity 4 defined
between the outer and inner membranes 2 and 3 by using a vacuum
cleaner or other suction means 20 (FIG. 7), or discharged by
pressing the wrapping means by hand. When the wrapping means is
contracted, the air vent 17 is sealed with the sealing member 19 so
as to keep the wrapping means in its original flat state. Thus, the
wrapping means of this invention can be reused usefully.
The sheet-like wrapping body 1 of this embodiment is formed by
thermal-sealing the peripheral edge portions of the flexible inner
and outer membranes joined together and made of compressed
polyurethane foam having gas barrier properties, thus defining the
cavity 4. Since the elastic sponge foam material 5 is made of
compressed polyurethane foam, the cushion material 5 generally
expands about six times as large as its original size. In the
wrapping means actually produced according to this invention, the
wrapping body which has a thickness of about 1 cm in its contracted
state was inflated to about 7.6 cm in thickness. Thus, the given
article A can be effectively wrapped with the wrapping body and
securely protected from shocks caused in transit or storage.
Since the female and male surface fasteners attached to the
flexible inner and outer membranes are used as engaging members,
the condition in which the article is wrapped with the sheet-like
wrapping body can be adequately maintained. In place of the surface
fasteners, there may be used pressure sensitive adhesive or a slide
fastener such as a zip fastener. With these fastener means, the
flexible membranes can be engaged face to face with each other with
a simple operation.
By using the wrapping means actually produced according to this
embodiment of the present invention, the wrapping means could be
decreased to 80% in storage space, one quarter in volume and two
thirds in weight. Moreover, since the wrapping means according to
this invention can be used without any other packing tape, wadding
and so on, packing expenses can be markedly reduced to less than
63% in comparison with known wrapping or packing means.
The second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is adapted to wrap
a cylindrical article and comprises a rectangular wrapping body 21
and a lid cover 6 with pressure sensitive adhesives 22 and 23. It
is preferable to use round-shaped cushioning pads 24 and 25 with
one or more pressure sensitive adhesives 26. The pressure sensitive
adhesives 22, 23 and 26 each are covered with a release paper.
FIG. 9 shows the state in which the cylindrical article is wrapped
with the wrapping means in the rolled state. The wrapping body 21
can be steadily retained in the cylindrical state of wrapping the
cylindrical article by means of pressure sensitive adhesives 22 and
23. Then, the cushioning pads 24 and 25 are attached to the
respective round end portions of the roll of the wrapping means to
protect the wrapped article from shocks in all directions. This
wrapping means according to this embodiment can be employed for
wrapping receptacles for cosmetics, and medicines, various
articles, expensive gifts and other valuable goods.
FIG. 10 through FIG. 12 show an embodiment of a modified air valve
15. A sealing member 30 is provided with a cutter member 31 having
a pointed blade 32. The cutter member 31 is operated to
automatically prick the flexible outer membrane 3 with the pointed
blade 32 merely by pulling up the edge of the sealing member 30,
thus allowing air to enter into the cavity through a hole cut by
the cutter member 31. After introducing the air into the cavity in
the wrapping body 1, the opening hole cut by the pointed blade 32
is again closed with the sealing member 30.
The cutter member 31 with the pointed blade 31 is formed of a rigid
plastic plate or the like and made smaller than the sealing member
30. The cutter member 31 may be adhered along with the sealing
member 30 to the flexible outer membrane 3 with a bonding agent.
This embodiment has an advantage in that the cutter member 31 can
be easily attached to the wrapping body 1 after producing the
wrapping body 1.
FIG. 13 through FIG. 15 show an air valve 15 having a slide plate
36 slidably set between two plastic plates 34 and 35 having vent
holes 38 and 39. The slide plate 36 has a sharp-edged cutter 37
elastically urged toward the flexible outer membrane 3. By manually
sliding the slide plate 36 to align the cutter 37 with the hole 39,
the cutter 37 urged downward pops automatically out to cut the
flexible outer membrane 3, thus allowing air to flow into the
cavity in the wrapping body through the holes 38, 42 and 39. As a
result, the compressed cushion material placed in the, wrapping
body expands spontaneously. According to this embodiment of the
invention, the air valve 15 can be easily handled by using a
pulling piece 40 extending from the slide plate 36.
FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a string air valve 15 comprising a
valve string 43 of proper length penetrating through the flexible
outer membrane 3 and passing through the cavity 4, and a pull
string 44 connected to the valve string 43 and extending outside.
By pulling the pull string 44 by hand, the flexible inner membrane
2 is cut, thus allowing air to enter into the cavity 4 and the
cushion material 5 to expand.
The air valve in this embodiment may be provided with a simple
sound generator capable of producing an alarm sound by the action
of air flowing through the air valve. By confirming that the alarm
sound fades out, the completion of the introduction of air into the
cavity which is carried out by use of a vacuum cleaner or the like
can be recognized. Even when the air in the cavity is drawn out by
using a vacuum cleaner or exerting pressure on the wrapping body by
hand, the completion of drawing out the air from the cavity can be
recognized by means of the sound generator.
The embodiment of the wrapping means illustrated in FIG. 17 uses,
as the engaging means, a slide fastener 50 such as a zip fastener.
The slide fastener 50 is attached to the peripheral edge of a
rectangular wrapping body 1. The flexible inner membranes 2 are
provided with inside pockets 51 with openings 52 for accommodating
a given article to be wrapped. With the inside pockets, the article
can be securely held in the wrapping means of this embodiment by
inflating the wrapping means by action of the air introduced
through the air valve 15.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. 20, a sheet-like
wrapping body 60 is used in such a manner that it is diagonally
folded in two with the flexible inner membrane inside. The wrapping
body 60 has lid covers 61 applied with pressure sensitive adhesives
62.
To be more specific, the wrapping body 60 is diagonally folded in
two so as to assume a substantially conical shape as shown. The air
valve in this embodiment is constituted by a pull string 44 which
is pulled to cut the flexible inner membrane 2. As a result, air
enters into the cavity in the wrapping body 60, thus expanding the
elastic cushion material in the wrapping body. The wrapping means
of this embodiment can be conveniently applied for wrapping various
accessories, glasses, jewels and so on.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 has an inside pocket 64
in the flexible inner membrane 2 and in use is folded in three.
Upon folding the wrapping body into three with flexible inner
membrane 2 inside, a lid cover 65 and fixing bands 67 are fixed
onto the flexible outer membrane 3 with pressure sensitive
adhesives 66, 68 attached to the inner surface of the lid cover 65
and the fixing bands 67, respectively. According to the wrapping
means of this embodiment, a given article can be appropriately
wrapped and effectively protected from shocks. Particularly,
compact disks, compact disk player, video cameras, electronic
parts, various tools, optical equipment and so on can be securely
protected from shocks which are possibly caused in transit or
storage by use of the wrapping means according to this
embodiment.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 uses a wrapping body 70
in the form of an envelope by fastening two lid covers 71 onto the
outsides of a twice folded flexible outer membrane 3, and folding
back and fastening a bottom cover 72 onto the flexible outer
membrane 3 as shown in FIG. 24. The wrapping means according to
this embodiment can be suitably applied for wrapping various
articles having irregular shapes, bulky articles and so forth.
The wrapping body 74 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26
comprises a square flexible inner membrane, four lid covers 75-78
shaped as isosceles triangle and attached to four corner portions
of the flexible inner membrane, and a belt 84 provided on its inner
side with pressure sensitive adhesives 83. Also, the lid covers
75-77 each have pressure sensitive adhesives 80. With the belt 84
and lid covers 75-78 having the pressure sensitive adhesives 80 and
83, the wrapping means of this embodiment can steadily wrap and
protect articles of various shapes from shocks.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, a sheet-like wrapping body 85
has side covers 86 and 87. One of the side covers 86 extends
outward from a part of one of the longitudinal sides of the
wrapping body 85, and the other side cover 87 extends outward from
one of the lateral sides of the wrapping body 85. Upon folding the
wrapping body 85 in two in the longitudinal direction, the side
covers 86 and 87 are folded back and fastened onto the outside of
the wrapping body 85 with pressure sensitive adhesives (not shown).
The wrapping means according to this embodiment can firmly wrap and
protect articles of various shapes from shocks.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, a sheet-like wrapping
body 88 is formed by arranging three rectangle flexible inner
membranes 2 in an "L" shape having lid covers 89 with pressure
sensitive adhesives 90.
The wrapping body 88 is folded in three as indicated by the arrows
in FIG. 28. The edge portions on both sides of the wrapping body 88
are sealed thermally to form two pockets. The wrapping means having
two pockets according to this embodiment can be used
conveniently.
The embodiment shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 comprises two wrapping
bodies 91 connected to each other and lid covers 92 with pressure
sensitive adhesives 93. The wrapping bodies 91 are together bundled
up by one cover as shown in FIG. 31. The connected wrapping bodies
91 may be separated as the need arises.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 32, for instance, two or more
pictures are wrapped side by side with two-folded wrapping body 91
and bound fast with a carrier band 95. According to this wrapping
means, the pictures are held firmly by the wrapping bodies which
are inflated with air introduced thereinside and can be easily
carried by use of handles 96.
FIG. 33 to FIG. 37 show an embodiment of this invention wherein a
the sheet-like wrapping body 100 has a substantially T-shape
including a central part 104, upper and lower parts 101 and 103
extending upward and downward from the central part 104, and a side
part 102 extending laterally from one side of the central part 104.
Also, the parts 101-104 have adhesive straps 105-108 on the
peripheral side portions thereof.
The wrapping means of this embodiment can protect the corner of a
squarish article B as shown in FIG. 34 by attaching the wrapping
body 100 to the corner of the article B with the adhesive straps
105-108 as shown in FIG. 36, and then opening the air valve 15 to
inflate the wrapping body 100 as shown in FIG. 37. By applying four
wrapping means to four corners of the article B, the article B can
be protected without being covered entirely.
FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 show an embodiment in which a substantially
L-shaped wrapping body 110 has a central part 104, an upper part
101 and a side part 102. These parts 104, 101 and 102 have adhesive
straps 105, 106 and 111, respectively. According to this
embodiment, the six corners of a substantially cubic article C can
be protected in safety as shown in FIG. 39 by attaching each
wrapping body 110 to a respective corner of the article C with the
adhesive straps and opening the air valve 15 to introduce air into
a cavity in the wrapping body, thus inflating the wrapping body
110.
FIG. 40 to FIG. 42 show an embodiment comprising a wrapping body
120 having a substantially square shape. The wrapping body 120 has
a central part 121, a cover flap 123 with pressure sensitive
adhesive 125, and round-shaped side pads 122 with fastening strips
124 extending from the central part 121. The central part 121 of
the wrapping body is applied with pressure sensitive adhesive 126
along the free end portion on the outer surface of the wrapping
body 120.
Central Part 121 of wrapping body 120 is first rolled up around an
article D and fixed with the pressure sensitive adhesives 125, 126.
The end faces of the roll thus obtained are covered with the side
pads 122 which are fastened by the fastening straps 124. Then, by
opening the air valve 15, air is introduced into the cavity in the
wrapping body to cause cushion material 5 placed in the cavity to
expand. By making the inner surface of the sponge foam material 5
uneven as shown in FIG. 42, the flexible inner membrane 2 becomes
ragged or deformed to increase the sliding friction thereof. Thus,
with the cushion material 5 having a protuberant portion 129, the
article D such as a bottle having a neck part can be securely
held.
FIG. 43 through FIG. 45 show an embodiment in which a sheet-like
wrapping body 130 comprises a slender base sheet 131, a lid cover
132 extending from the base sheet 131 in the longitudinal
direction, and a folding flap 134. The lid cover 132 is provided
with pressure sensitive adhesive 133. Along the side edge portions
of the base sheet are provided pressure sensitive adhesives
135.
With this wrapping means, an article E such as a compact disk can
be well wrapped by first folding the base sheet 131 in two along
the center line L, fastening the folded base sheet 131 by the
pressure sensitive adhesives 135, tucking the folding flap 134 into
the inside of the folded base sheet 131, and lying the lid cover
132 upon the folded base sheet 131. Then, the air valve 15 is
opened to introduce air into the cavity in the wrapping body 130,
allowing the cushion material 5 to expand in the cavity. Thus, the
article E is entirely protected.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 46 and FIG. 47 comprises a sheet-like
wrapping body 140 having a slender base sheet 141 similar to that
in the aforementioned embodiment, which is folded and shaped as an
envelope. The wrapping body 140 has a second bag member a pocket
144 formed of a folding portion 142 extending from the base sheet
141, and a film sheet 143 attached to the folding portion 142. The
folding portion 142 is laminated on its outer side with a
transparent film 145 to form a pocket 146 for a postcard or the
like.
This wrapping means has the auxiliary pockets 144 and 146 for
containing small articles such as a postcard in addition to an
envelope-like space mainly formed inside the wrapping body 140 for
accommodating postal matter or the like.
FIG. 48 through FIG. 51 show an embodiment in which a sheet-like
wrapping body 150 comprises a base sheet 151 which is generally
shaped in a substantially inverted truncated pyramid, side sheets
152 and 153 extending laterally from the base sheet 151, and a
cover 154 extending upward from the base sheet 151. These sheets
151-153 may be preferably provided with vertical reinforcing
frameworks 155 and horizontal reinforcing frameworks 156 and 157.
The horizontal reinforcing frameworks 156 and 157 are slightly
separated at points of intersection between the vertical
reinforcing framework 155 and the horizontal reinforcing framework
156, 157 so as to easily fold and to enable the side sheets 152 and
153 to lie along the base sheet 151.
The side sheet 152 has pressure sensitive adhesive 160. The cover
154 has pressure sensitive adhesive 161 and is provided in the top
portion thereof with a hook hole 162. The base sheet 151 has a
pocket 159.
When the wrapping means is used for wrapping a bunch of flowers
163, the flowers are first laid on the base sheet 151 with the
roots or stalks inserted into the pocket 159, and the side sheets
152 and 153 are folded onto the flowers and the base sheet 151.
Finally, by folding downward the cover 154 to cover the petals of
flowers as shown in FIG. 49, the flowers are entirely wrapped.
Thus, the flower package obtained can be retained securely by means
of the pressure sensitive adhesives 160 and 161 applied on the side
sheet 152 and cover 154 and by opening the air valve 15 to
introduce air into the inside of the wrapping body, thereby
inflating the wrapping body.
According to this embodiment, the bunch of flowers can be displayed
as wrapped with the wrapping means of this invention by opening the
cover 154 and hanging the wrapping means by use of the hole 162
formed in the cover 154. By inserting a supporter 165 through the
hole 162 formed in the cover 154 as shown in FIG. 51, the wrapping
means can be used as a flower stand.
FIG. 52 to FIG. 54 show the an embodiment in which a wrapping body
170 comprises a base sheet 171 formed in a lozenge shape and having
a pressure sensitive adhesive strap 173 attached to one lower
oblique side of the lozenge-shaped base sheet 171 and a pocket 172
formed on the lower part of the base sheet 171. From the upper
oblique sides of the base sheet 171, a cover 174 made of a
transparent film extends upward.
When wrapping a bunch of flowers 163 with this wrapping means, the
roots or stalks of the flowers are first inserted in the pocket
172, and then, both side parts of the base sheet 171 are folded to
lie on the central part of the base sheet as shown in FIG. 53.
Then, the transparent cover 174 is folded on the base sheet 171 to
cover the petals of flowers, and finally, air is introduced into
the inside of the wrapping body 170 to inflate the wrapping means.
Thus, the wrapping means of this embodiment can be used as a flower
case and the flowers can be displayed as wrapped as shown in FIG.
54.
FIG. 55 to FIG. 57 show an embodiment in which a sheet-like
wrapping body 180 includes a rectangular base sheet 181, side
sheets 182 and 183 extending laterally from the base sheet 181 and
having cover members 184 with slots 186, and triangular-shaped
upper and lower lids 187 extending upward and downward from the
base sheet 181. The cover members 184 have respective pressure
sensitive adhesives 185. It is preferable to provide the upper and
lower lids 187 with triangular frameworks 188.
According to the wrapping means of this embodiment, a wrapping case
shaped as a triangle can be produced by raising the upper and lower
lids 187 and bending upward the side sheets 182 and 183 so as to
put the the lids 187 between the upper and lower edges of the side
sheets 182 and 183, as shown in FIG. 57. The wrapping case thus
obtained is retained by the pressure sensitive adhesives 185
applied onto the cover members 184 which come into face contact
with each other. Since the wrapping case inflates inwardly by
introducing air into the wrapping body 180 through the air valve
15, various kinds of articles can be firmly held within the
wrapping case.
FIG. 58 to FIG. 61 show an embodiment in which a wrapping body 190
comprises a base sheet 191 and a lid sheet 192 welded to the base
sheet 191. The base sheet 191 has a central part 193, upper and
lower parts 194 and side parts 195. The lid sheet 192 has a central
part 196 and side parts 197. The central part 196 includes a pair
of holder pieces 198 each having a slot 200, and cover members 199.
It is desirable to apply pressure sensitive adhesives 201 and 202
onto the side parts 197 and the cover members 199.
The wrapping body 190 is properly folded and firmly fastened by the
pressure sensitive adhesives to form a box-like container as shown
in FIG. 60. Since the wrapping body 190 can be inflated by
introducing air thereinto as shown in FIG. 61, various articles can
be tightly held in the box-like container.
FIG. 62 and FIG. 63 show an embodiment in which a sheet-like
wrapping body 200 comprises a substantially lozenge-shaped base
sheet 201 and cover sheets 202 shaped as triangles extending upward
from the base sheet 201 and having pressure sensitive adhesives
203. Between the cover sheets 202, a hook piece 204 with a hole 205
is formed. In the lower portion of the base sheet 201, a hole 206
is bored.
This wrapping means can be used by first folding the base sheet 201
to two so as to bring the holes 205 and 206 into registration with
each other, inserting a string 207 through the matching holes 205
and 206, and suspending the string 207 from the neck of a subject
person. Then, upon insertion of the arm of the person into the
double-folded base sheet 201, the cover sheets 202 are folded to
lie on the base sheet 201 as illustrated in FIG. 63. By opening the
air valve 15 to introduce air into the inside of the wrapping body
200, the wrapping body 200 inflates to firmly hold the arm.
Thus, the wrapping means of this embodiment can be used as a
provisional plaster cast. By making the wrapping body 200 longer,
even the upper arm of the person can be supported.
FIG. 64 to FIG. 68 show an embodiment in which a sheet-like
wrapping body 210 comprises a base sheet 211 shaped substantially
as a finger or projection, and tongue pieces 212 and 213 extending
laterally from the lower part of the base sheet 211. The base sheet
is generally made sufficiently longer than the finger of a subject
person. The tongue piece 213 has a band strip 214. The tongue
pieces 212, 213 and band strip 214 are provided with pressure
sensitive adhesives 215-218.
In use, the finger is first put on the lower half of the base sheet
211, and the upper half of the base sheet 211 is folded in two so
as to be placed on the finger. Then, the tongue pieces 212 and 213
are wound round the finger as shown in FIG. 65. Finally, the band
strip 214 is wound round the finger as shown in FIG. 66. The wound
wrapping means is firmly fastened with the pressure sensitive
adhesives.
By introducing air into the wrapping body 210 shown in FIG. 67 to
inflate the base sheet 211 as shown in FIG. 68, the finger G is
suitably held. The wrapping means of this embodiment can be used as
a plaster case for fingers. Instead of the pressure sensitive
adhesives 215-218, male and female face fasteners may be used.
FIG. 69 and FIG. 70 show an embodiment in which a sheet-like
wrapping body 220 comprises a pair of base sheets 221 joined to
each other through a constricted part 222, cover sheets 224 and 225
extending laterally from the lower base sheet 221, and a slender
string 223 attached to the constricted part 222 between the base
sheets. The cover sheets 224 and 225 are provided with pressure
sensitive adhesives 226 and 227 and formed so as not to meet each
other when being folded on the lower base sheet 221.
The wrapping means of this embodiment can be suitably wound around
a finger as shown in FIG. 70. Upon covering the finger with the
base sheets 221 and cover sheets 224, the wrapping body 220 is
inflated by introducing air into the inside thereof, and then the
slender string is tied on the tip of the finger, thus tightly
holding the finger.
FIG. 71 and FIG. 72 show an embodiment in which a sheet-like
wrapping body 230 comprises a base sheet 231 having a generally
rectangular shape, and cover sheets 232 with holding holes 233.
According to this embodiment, bottles H can be securely held in the
wrapping body so as to be carried easily.
Only one bottle can be securely held by the wrapping means of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 73.
As is apparent from the foregoing, according to the wrapping means
of this invention, given articles of various kinds can be securely
wrapped with a sheet-like wrapping body irrespective of the shape
and size of the article to be wrapped and effectively protected
from any shocks. Furthermore, shocks which are possibly produced
due to collision of the given articles to be wrapped can be
remarkably alleviated by inserting the articles into independent
pockets formed in the wrapping means of this invention.
Since the sheet-like wrapping body of this invention is made of a
flexible membrane, articles of any shape and size can be easily
wrapped with the wrapping body. In addition, since the engaging
members and air valve disposed on the wrapping body are of simple
structure, the wrapping means of this invention can be reused and
is easy to handle. Thus, the efficiency of wrapping and carrying
the given article can be remarkably improved.
Since the sheet-like wrapping body of this invention is basically
made of sponge foaming resin and resilient plastic sheet material
having gas barrier properties, it is possible to mass produce the
wrapping means of this invention at a low cost by synthetic resin
processing techniques.
Moreover, the wrapping means according to this invention can be
used not only for wrapping articles of various kinds, but also
protecting an injured portion of a living body from external
physical shocks as a medical appliance.
Although the invention has been described in its preferred form
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure of the preferred form can be changed in the
details of construction, and the changes of combination and
arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the
spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *